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Topic Review (Newest First)

04-14-2014 02:29 PM

poorbandit

Hello everyone! Just posting a quick update for anyone who's curious. My friend kept the dog. She did contact the state troopers about donating him, but the trooper who came said he was fine and the first trainer had no idea what he was talking about. He offered to take him for police work if she still wanted, but my friend is keeping him. He's still got some behavior issues, but she's working with a new trainer who has been very helpful (and also said the first trainer was full of it). I visit almost every day and Bandit and I are old friends now. He still wants to eat the cat, but they're working on it. Thanks for all of your advice!

01-15-2014 10:48 PM

NLH2154

I have recently acquired my first GSD breed. I grew up on a farm so I am used to hounds, with the occasional Rottweiler. However before I decided to start Tyson's training I researched GSDs. I've read 6 different books and I am receiving help training from a fellow officer who is on our K-9 unit.

The one thing that has remained constant through everything I have read is that everything the dog does is instinct. Therefore the dog is incapable of making a mistake. It's a sign of a good handler to seek a more effective training regime.

But I am not an experienced trainer so I can't give any advice other than keep trying. My K-9 mentor claims that any dog that isn't openly feral can be trained.

Sorry, I should have been specific. Hudson Valley area, near Newburgh.

01-15-2014 10:01 PM

Jax08

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorbandit

New York.

Where in NY? Is she near the Rochester area? Binghamton? NYC?

01-15-2014 10:01 PM

BowWowMeow

New York is a very big state. New York City or New York State?

If she feels in over her head she could consider contacting a rescue to help her place the dog in a more suitable home.

Please advise your friend to keep the dog separated from the cat. The dog is certainly trainable with the right trainer. For now she should be using strict NILIF with the dog and tethering or crating the dog.

01-15-2014 09:50 PM

LifeofRiley

I would also recommend your friend find a different trainer.

The dog was adopted over the weekend so, that is... 3-4 days ago? I find it highly irresponsible for a trainer to draw the conclusions he/she did given that fact. It is very common for newly rescued dogs to lack manners at first.

I would suggest your friend institute NILIF (Nothing in Life is Free) in the house, establish a consistent routine with the dog, and focus on positive engagement with the dog. Don't rush through the acclimation process, take it slowly.

I would tell her to look for a working dog trainer....from our experience they are much more knowledgable and understanding of any working line dogs. The basic dog trainers seem to be at a loss with working lines....our pups were in advanced puppy class when they were 4 months old...they were to bored in the basic obedience..switching to a working line trainer they are challenged constantly and love it....they don't like being bored...they will get flustered if not challenged.